Shaffers and the Bigger Picture
Like many others in the area, I was saddened to see the closure of Shaffer’s in Woodstock but certainly understand George’s decision to do so. I will miss the great food they supplied for various catered events I attended over the years but I am especially mourning the loss of…
Stocking Trout and Jesus’ Return
This time of year brings back fond memories from my teaching days at Central High School. While there, I was privileged to teach Natural Resources courses in addition to Agricultural Production and Leadership Development. And one of the highlights of natural resources was stocking trout. According to their website, the…
Biting The Hand That Rescues Us
A few weeks ago, the Shenandoah Valley experienced an unusual combination of very high winds and dry conditions sparking fires all across the area. Thankfully no one died, but several families both in Page and Shenandoah counties lost their homes that day to the aggressive flames. First responders worked overtime…
Get In The Right Boat
One hundred and twelve years ago this past Sunday, the Titanic took its last voyage to the bottom of the ocean. Few people have not heard of that tragedy that ended with the deaths of nearly 1500 people, many of whom could have been saved. But the Titanic is not…
The Parable of The Teeth
When’s the last time you thanked God for your teeth? Like many other blessings God has given us, it seems we only think of them when they give us problems. These enamel coated cutters and grinders are the ingenious design of an all-wise Creator who knew we would need them.…
Helping Children Know Jesus
What a blessing it is to be wrapping up the third year of Bible Break (Weekday Religious Education or WRE) in Shenandoah County! In just a few weeks, nearly 100 students from all three county elementary schools will attend their last class for this school year and celebrate with certificates…
Proving The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ
Sunday marks the annual celebration of the greatest event in human history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Although every Sunday is a weekly commemoration of this triumph, once each year we especially rejoice as we give God glory for His victory over death! Jesus’ resurrection demands a response from every…
Clearing Our Background Checks
One of the realities of twenty-first century America is the background check. Not only do most firms include these in their hiring considerations but they’re also now used by most youth sports organizations and churches for all individuals that have contact with children. Although it involves some expense, it is…
Rules For Basketball and For Life
We are closing in on that annual phenomenon known as March Madness when 68 teams compete for top honors in college basketball. Athletes, coaches, and fans eagerly await the invitations to see if their school has been included in the Big Dance. There is also a competition for women’s teams…
Jesus’ Bucket Brigade
Most of us are familiar with the old bucket brigades. Prior to ladder trucks, long hoses, and trained firemen, volunteers assembled in a line and passed buckets of water from a source to douse on the flames. Although much less efficient than modern methods, it did save lives and property.…